Montessori vs. Waldorf
Both are educational approaches that give children more independence and freedom.
But what exactly are the differences and similarities?
The most important similarities between Montessori and Waldorf schools:
* Flexible Curriculum: Neither Montessori nor Waldorf schools have a made-to-order curriculum. Students can choose their own activities and tasks under the teacher's guidance. You can also largely work at your own pace.
* Decentralized learning: Montessori and Waldorf teachers rarely give lectures to the whole class. Students can move freely around the classroom, work independently or in groups, and pursue their interests.
* Holistic education: Both Montessori and Waldorf schools aim to educate the whole child. In addition to core academic subjects, they place great emphasis on learning practical skills, developing the right character traits and learning important values.
* Concrete learning: Both the Montessori and Waldorf approaches emphasize concrete learning. The children work with a lot of practical material and learn important practical skills. Montessori focuses particularly on concrete learning, at least in preschool and elementary school.
* Limited Technology: Both Montessori and Waldorf schools limit the use of modern technology. However, Waldorf schools are stricter in this regard.
Key differences between Montessori and Waldorf schools
* Academics: Montessori schools focus more on core academic subjects, at least in preschool. Waldorf schools typically do not introduce core academic subjects, at least not formally, until grade 1 or 2.
* Work and play: Montessori schools prefer work to play. Even in preschool, Montessori educators tend to discourage (or at least not encourage) pretend play. In Waldorf schools, however, the focus is on pretend play and imaginative activities, especially in preschool age.
* The arts: Waldorf schools incorporate art and music into the curriculum. Music, theater, dance, visual arts and other artistic media are woven into many lessons. Many Montessori schools, on the other hand, focus less on art, music and imaginative activities.
* Nature: Both Waldorf and Montessori schools teach children about nature and offer outdoor activities. However, Waldorf schools focus more on this area.
